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Tamilselvan and Head of SLMM discuss the A9 route - the backbone of the CFA

At the meeting, Tamilselvan explained the tragedy that has befallen the 500,000 people in Jaffna due to the closure of the A9 route. Every aspect of civilian life is affected by the closure Tamilselvan told Solvberg.Tamilselvan listed some of the most serious concerns. Fuel shortage has almost stopped electricity supply and public transport, the two most fundamental needs of any large city of the size of Jafna. Due to shortage of food items the cost of food has gone up several folds. People unable to earn their livelihood due to the blockade are near starvation. Hospital is unable to function due to shortage of fuel and electricity. Schools are remaining closed due to the fear that pervades Jaffna.

The opening of the A9 highway, the backbone of the CFA and the central symbolic goodwill gesture contained within the CFA, remains unimplemented despite the human tragedy it is creating and continues to create Tamilselvan told Solvberg.

Tamilselvan also questioned the Head of SLMM the approach being adopted by the GoSL towards the SLMM. The Sri Lankan military took sponsored tours of journalists to Sampur, Mutur and Muhamali. But at the same military has denied access to the SLMM to all these areas. This raises the question how the GoSL is viewing the role of SLMM within the CFA and the CFA itself.

Tamilselvan meets the Country heads of INGOs

Today Tamilselvan also met several country heads of INGOs that have projects in Sri Lanka at the LTTE Peace Secretariat in Kilinochchi. The country heads traveled from Colombo for the meeting.

In this meeting the humanitarian crisis caused by, the closure of A9 route; the blockades into all LTTE administered areas; and the military adventures of the Sri Lankan military were discussed in detail. Also discussed was the issue of the safety of INGO workers.

The following INGOs were at this meeting,

• Terje Heggernes - Resident representative of FORUT,
• Joern Kristensen - Country Director of Norwegian Refugee Council,
• Joan Summers - Country Programme Representative of Oxfam,
• Richard Mawer - Country Programme Director of Save the Children,
• Guy Rhodes - Coordinator of Solidar,
• Representative of World Vision,
• Doug Graham - Country Director of WUSC and
• Bernard Jaspers Faijer - Country Director of ZOA

27 September 2006

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